BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Kern County Public Health Department says more people are getting flu shots, after twelve people were hospitalized last week with a serious strain of the flu.
Health officials are urging everyone to get vaccinated, as emergency rooms are seeing more people with the infection.
Officials say this is a huge concern because people are getting severely sick very quickly, and the peak to flu season hasn't even arrived.
The health department says this flu season is one to watch out for.
"This is very similar to what happened when we first identified H1N1 back in 2009," said Dr. Claudia Jonah, Kern County Public Health Department.
Health officials say this year's flu strains are tough on the elderly and children.
The health department says twelve people are currently hospitalized in intensive care in Bakersfield, many are on ventilators.
Health officials say one person is confirmed to have the H1N1 virus, while the others have Influenza A.
"We really want to encourage people to get the protection, get the prevention, because for those who get severe illness it can be a very devastating event," said Dr. Jonah.
Local hospitals say their emergency rooms have been overwhelmed with people, many suffering from flu-like symptoms.
"Normally we were seeing about 180 to 200 patients a day. And, just a few days ago, the day after Christmas, we saw almost 260," said Jenny Wilson, Director of Emergency Services, Memorial Hospital.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says flu activity increased dramatically in November and December.
"This is not a time for fear, but it's a time to be very responsible and immediate in using those things available to you to protect yourself and to protect others," continued Dr. Jonah.
Health officials say some of the people hospitalized are getting better, but some are getting worse.